2011 Buick Enclave CXL Review

[ahmed_7erzon]

Here is the vehicle that replaced the traditional full-size sedan for a number of Buick customers... and relegated the Roadmaster and Park Avenue to the history books. Oh, how the times can change!

Launched in 2007 as a 2008 model, the Buick Enclave kicked the mildly-successful Rendezvous minivan to the curb. It proved to be a sales hit from the get-go and eventually became the brand's most popular model. None of the current Buick sedans (LaCrosse, Lucerne, Regal) exits dealer lots faster.

For now.

The century-old GM division's sales will likely get a huge boost from the upcoming Verano compact sedan. Will this model or perhaps the second-place LaCrosse steal the crown from the Enclave? We shall see. The bulky crossover at least deserves credit for helping salvage Buick in the midst of the struggling automaker's 2009-2010 restructuring.

Designed to stand out
With the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia (soon to be axed) and the late Saturn Outlook, the Enclave once formed a quartet of new Lambda-based models oriented toward modern families.

Today, it plays in a crowded arena featuring premium full-size SUVs and crossovers like the hip new Dodge Durango, Lincoln MKT, Acura MDX, Hyundai Veracruz Limited and even the prestigious Mercedes-Benz R350.

Designers were clearly given the task of creating a big, brawny vehicle, as evidenced by the muscular lines and commanding stance of the Enclave. You simply can't miss it on the road.

The exterior also incorporates typical Buick design cues, like the chrome-clad waterfall grille sporting the trishield logo and the side portholes reminiscent of the 1951 Buick Super.

The teardrop-shaped headlight clusters house high-intensity discharge lamps. Spend a few extra bucks and you can get them to swivel in corners for optimum visibility at night. Nice!


All three Enclave models (CX, CXL1 and CXL2) ride on 19-inch alloy wheels. Those on my CXL2 tester were even finished in chrome. Buick also offers a 20-inch wheel option that will sure do wonders for tire manufacturers' profitability.

The 7-passenger Enclave comes with first-row power-adjustable bucket seats, second-row SmartSlide captain's chairs and a third-row 60/40 split-bench seat. An available 8-passenger configuration replaces the middle seats with a SmartSlide flat-folding 60/40 split-bench seat.

No-nonsense drivetrain
A single engine appears on the menu, namely a direct-injected 3.6L V6 that generates 288 horsepower. It also produces 90 percent of its 270 lb-ft of torque from 2,500 to 6,000 rpm, propelling the 2-ton mastodon from 0 to 100 km/h in a little over 8,0 seconds. Accelerations are just as lively.

Power is managed by a 6-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission which GM says contributes to a 4-percent improvement in fuel economy over a 4-speed unit.

This luxury crossover offers both FWD and AWD versions. As I wrote these lines, the latter carried a premium of $3,000. In normal driving conditions, 90 percent of the engine's torque goes to the front wheels. As soon as either one starts to slip, the system automatically distributes part of it to the rear wheels. Most of the time, the split varies from 40/60 to 60/40.

Moreover, the AWD system works seamlessly with traction control to optimize handling at all times.


Mobile living room
The 2011 Buick Enclave behaves remarkably well on the road. The variable-assist power steering isn't too light and disconnected like that of a Lexus RX. The suspension finds a pleasant balance between ride quality and road-holding capacity, while the brakes are easy to modulate and make the driver feel in control.

Inside, the front seats are large and comfortable, although I would have liked more lateral support. The first and second rows will accommodate adults of all shapes and sizes, while the third is best left to grandchildren.

The cabin remains exceptionally quiet and serene, putting the Buick Enclave on par with such benchmarks as the Lexus RX and Acura MDX. On the other hand, visibility is problematic. The backward-rising beltline and smallish greenhouse force the driver to properly adjust mirrors and use extra caution when parking this big rig.


Sure, you can get a rear-view camera with your Enclave (standard in CXL trim, optional in CX trim), but the teeny-weeny lens above the license plate must stay clean for the system to display a clear image. The thing is, as soon as you drive under the rain, in the snow or on a very dusty road, the camera becomes useless.

Undeniably practical
No one can deny the 2011 Buick Enclave's practicality and functionality, though. The large power tailgate reveals a vast and versatile trunk. As a matter of fact, this crossover boasts class-leading cargo capacity with the rear seats up or down.

You can easily fit a big Callaway golf cart bag behind the third row and a second when you drop the latter. I'm sure Tiger Woods fans will love this!